Top Gear car review: Citroen C4

WHAT WE SAY: 

Citroen's play-it-safe alternative to a VW Golf is OK in most areas but simply too dull for buyers to get their teeth into

WHAT IS IT?

Citroen was brave with the last  Citroen C4, and buyers didn’t really appreciate it. So it’s played it safe this time around. If you want exciting, buy the DS4.

DRIVING

The C4 gives a nice, damped ride and body roll is excellent through fast corners. The steering is sharp, but its too light and doesn’t have enough feel.

Comfort is well up on the C4’s agenda with excellent damping and a great all-round view of your surroundings. The diesels make it an excellent long-distance car; quiet at speed and good economy.

All the engines get the job done, although the less powerful petrols feel slightly underpowered when pushed hard. The most economical diesel, the 120bhp 1.6, supposedly manages 78.5mpg…

ON THE INSIDE

Rear seat passengers will bemoan that roofline. Just beware that you might not fit a decent-sized pram in the back because the tail tapers quite strongly. The fact it’s not a box makes it look nice, but isn’t as practical.

Citroen doesn’t have the greatest reputation for strong interiors but the C4’s is actually reasonable. It uses strong, sturdy materials that wouldn’t look out of place in a prestige car while the panel gaps throughout the cabin are tight, meaning it shouldn’t rattle soon after purchase like Citroens of old used to.

OWNING

Cheap insurance on most models is a boon, but residuals aren’t the finest. We’d stick with the most economical engines. When it comes to the C4, cheaper is better. 

Source: topgear.com